Launched last year, the Arts Council’s Small Grants Programme has so far invested almost £500,000 in community arts projects. Some 86 organisations have already benefitted from the scheme which aims to bring communities together by supporting a wide range of arts activities.
Theatre companies, youth groups, disability arts organisations and traditional music projects are just some of those who have been presented with awards through the scheme.
In Belfast, Belfast Exposed Photography, Glengormley Irish Traditional Music School, Moving on Music, Streetwise Community Circus and The Shalom Writers’ Group have all received funding through the programme.
Families with Ups and Down’s are a South Belfast based organisation. With an award of £8,000 they have been able to provide music activities for young people with Down’s Syndrome and their family members. Working with a specialist music teacher, the programme aimed to provide an introduction to music, as a foundation to further an interest in a more formal learning environment.
Johannahir McCoy from Families with Ups and Down’s explained how the Small Grant Programme had helped them: “Movers and Shakers is a music club for children and young people of all ages with Down’s Syndrome and their siblings. Funded through the Arts Council, it is run by Families with Ups and Down’s, a Down’s Syndrome group and takes place each Thursday. The club’s emphasis is primarily that the participants have fun while exploring music and songs but it also gives them the opportunity to learn about music and musical instruments as well as develop a variety of other skills in a friendly and caring atmosphere.”
Edel Murphy, Small Grant Programme Officer, commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of interest we have had in the programme since it was launched 12 months ago. Through the Small Grants programme we have been able to support a huge variety of high quality, professionally run arts projects, proving that sometimes a small amount of money can have a big impact.”
Applicants can apply for arts funding to the Small Grants Programme at any time throughout the year for awards between £500 and £10,000.
To find out more about the Small Grants Programme and how to apply visit www.artscouncil-ni.org